bricktacular asked: I play a school owned contrabass and I'm graduating this year. I switched from alto sax so I've never played a regular soprano clarinet, but I'm looking into playing it next year cause I don't have money for a bass clarinet. would it be hard for me to play clarinet?

While the fingering system is the same, the embouchure is drastically different. If you could borrow a Bb Clarinet I would start practicing over summer to help ease the transition and start building those essential muscles needed for successful Clarinet playing

Hope this helps,

Lilio :D

clarinetkitty asked: "The embouchure for Bass Clarinet is just like Clarinet, but bigger! Make sure the corners are in and the chin is down..."<— It’s not just like regular clarinet. If you try to play bass clarinet like a regular clarinet/Eb clarinet... not good. The corners definitely aren’t the same. They’re more rounded, and you really have to pay attention to voicing (oral cavity=more rounded)—- if you try to use Bb/Eb voicing on bass clarinet (especially past long B), you’ll get squeaks or a bad tone.

You’re right. Also, think about the corners being looser; a more relaxed feel. You definitely don’t want to tighten up when it comes to bass clarinet! And it really does help to think of your throat being open like an ‘aw’ sound. (more rounded works too).

- Lindsey

maquirenee asked: I have learned with bass clarinet, you cry and hope you are playing quite enough no one hears. (Kidding) It just takes practice.. I have been playing two years and cant go above G in the upper register, yet the guy I sit next to can do anything... Its a really temperamental instrument and takes time to get used to. For me, its really just not my instrument.

haha! I used to have that problem too! But I hate to say this, but I wasn’t able to play higher because of the mouthpiece I was using. I just bought some no name brand at a local music store and thought it would be good enough. I didn’t realize that it would cause a problem for me! I know this wasn’t asked but a Selmer C-star which is kinda pricey is a good one to use. Maybe you could try that if you haven’t already? Otherwise, yes, it does take practice and time to get used to it.

- Lindsey

tolaw asked: I have never played on a Bass clarinet in the 7 years I've been playing clarinet! For a symphony piece (American Salute-Gould), I am covering bassoon 2 music for the beginning, and my director wants it on bass clarinet! I know it's in the same key unlike my Eb, but is playing bass a lot different? And what size reed should I try first? Small like 2 1/2 or 3?

The embouchure for Bass Clarinet is just like Clarinet, but bigger! Make sure the corners are in and the chin is down, but make sure not the bite down on the reed. Focus the air in the same way, the tongue position inside your mouth might feel a little different thought. For reed strength I would recommend 3 or 3.5 to start out and keep the sound focused.

Hope this helps,

Lilio :D


I personally feel that the vandoren reeds are the best! I use size 3 and it’s perfect.

-Lindsey